About the church

A congregation shaped by Scripture, the gospel, and the local church.

Calvary Baptist Church is a Bible-teaching reformed Baptist church in Richards Bay. The church was constituted in 1996 and grew from a missionary church plant into an established local congregation.

What we believe

Historic Christian doctrine with clear Baptist conviction.

We believe in one true and living God, eternally existing as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. God created all things for His glory, governs all things by His providence, and is worthy of all worship, obedience, and praise.

We believe mankind was created in God's image yet fell in Adam and is now sinful by nature and by choice. Because of sin, all people stand guilty before God and are unable to save themselves.

We believe Jesus Christ, the eternal Son of God, took to Himself a true human nature, lived in perfect obedience, died as a substitutionary sacrifice for sinners, rose bodily from the grave, ascended to heaven, and reigns at the Father's right hand.

We believe justification is by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone. Those whom God effectually calls He forgives, adopts, sanctifies, and preserves to the end.

Distinctly Baptist

What that means in practice.

A believing church membership

We believe the church is composed of those who credibly profess repentance toward God and faith in Jesus Christ. The church is not merely a religious crowd but a gathered people under Christ's lordship.

Believer's baptism

We believe baptism is for disciples of Christ, not for those who have not yet personally believed. Baptism publicly identifies the believer with Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection.

The autonomy of the local church

We believe each local church is directly accountable to Christ, governed by His Word, led by biblically qualified elders and served by deacons, and called to practise discipline, discipleship, and mutual care.

Leadership

Elders

Pieter Smith

Pieter Smith was born and raised in Pretoria and attended Pretoria North Baptist Church from 2015 to 2023 and eventually was called by the church to serve alongside the elders in a full-time capacity. In 2023 Calvary Baptist Church called Pieter to serve as staff pastor of the church alongside Pastor Johan. Pieter is married to Bridget and they have three children, Emma, Shepherd, and Owen. As a family they love the local church, families, and community. Pieter has a calling to shepherd Christians, train and equip pastors, and to see believers be conformed into the image of Christ.

Johan Klue

Johan hails from Sasolburg in the Free State. After completing his apprenticeship at a petrochemical plant in Sasolburg, Johan started working in the petrochemical industry. During this time he met his delightful wife, Karin. Johan then completed his higher diploma in mechanical engineering to work as a maintenance technician at the Sasol plants in Secunda. Pursuing further growth in his career, Johan took a position as a maintenance specialist in the minerals processing business in Richards Bay. It is here in Richards Bay where he was saved and started attending Calvary Baptist Church. Whilst Johan served faithfully as a deacon of Calvary for almost 20 years he completed a Bachelor of Theology in Church Ministry with distinction at NWU Pukke in Potchefstroom. At a church meeting on 12 March 2017, the members of Calvary unanimously affirmed his calling to be an elder.

Deacons

Elnes Smit

Elnes Smit has called Richards Bay home since 2006 and has served at the Port of Richards Bay for over 17 years. On Christmas Day in 2011, he visited Calvary Baptist Church for the first time and was deeply impacted by the warmth of the congregation and, most importantly, the truth of God’s Word proclaimed from the pulpit. Drawn by the power of Scripture, Elnes continued to return and, in 2013, became a member of this Body of Believers. In 2024, he was appointed as Deacon over Hospitality. Elnes is a devoted husband to his beloved wife, Lia, a proud father of four adult children, and a grandfather blessed with seven beautiful grandchildren. He regards serving God and His people at Calvary as an immense privilege and honor. His heartfelt desire is that every member and visitor feels welcomed and at home—ultimately for the glory of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory forever and ever. Amen!

Alton Chetty

Alton Chetty was born and raised in the vibrant city of Durban, where the ocean air and colorful streets shaped his early years. In 2023, the Lord clearly guided him and his family to Calvary Baptist Church, and that move changed everything. It was there that his love for God’s Word and for God’s people grew deeper than he ever imagined. Today, Alton feels truly privileged to serve alongside Pastor Pieter and the leadership team in the Sound and Media ministry. Alton is happily married to his best friend Shaina, and together they’re raising two energetic, joy-filled boys, Duke and Seth. As a family, they absolutely love the local church. Whether it’s opening their home, serving side by side, or just doing life with other families in the community, the Chettys are all in – because they believe the church isn’t just a place you go, it’s the family you belong to.

Rob Murgatroyd

Rob was born in Germiston in 1956 and spent his childhood along the KwaZulu-Natal coast. After finishing school, he completed his apprenticeship at the Sappi paper mill, qualifying as a fitter and turner in 1977. In 1976 he met Lynda, whom he married in 1978, and together the Lord has blessed them with three children—Samantha, William, and Mercedes—and seven grandchildren. In 1982, while serving on the border between South West Africa and Angola, Rob came to saving faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. His walk with Christ has shaped his life, his family, and his commitments ever since. Rob and Lynda have lived in Richards Bay since 1994, where they have built their family and made their home. In 1998 Rob joined Calvary Baptist Church, becoming a faithful and longstanding member of the congregation. Over the years he has grown in his love for the local church, for sound doctrine, and for serving the body of Christ. Today, Rob continues to cherish time with his family—including his three much-loved dogs—and remains devoted to Christ, to His church, and to seeing generations walk faithfully with the Lord.

Tyron De Jager

Tyron de Jager was born in Richards Bay in 1995 and continues to call the city home. With a background in sailing, he qualified as a Yachtmaster and spent a number of years working in related industries. Alongside this, he also gained experience in sales and retail, serving in various roles including management. Although he had attended church for many years and would have described himself as a Christian, the Lord graciously brought him to true saving faith in 2018. Through a sermon by Tim Conway on the I’ll Be Honest ministry, he was confronted with the reality that he had been trusting in his own spirituality and religious activity rather than in Christ alone for salvation. By God’s grace, he came to rest in the finished work of Jesus Christ and the gospel. Later that same year, he joined Calvary Baptist Church in Richards Bay. Since then, he has had the privilege of serving the church in a variety of ways. He currently serves as a deacon responsible for ministry coordination and assists with the administrative life of the church. He has also had the opportunity to preach during Lord’s Day gatherings and to support various ministries within the body. His desire is to see the gospel faithfully proclaimed in Richards Bay, the lost brought to saving faith in Christ, and believers discipled toward maturity. He considers it a great privilege to serve the local church and longs to see Christ glorified as His people are shepherded and built up in the faith.